The Fremont Oktoberfest is a beer-drinking, knowledge-learning, and even family-friendly festival happening in late September. This blog will help the seasoned veterans and the newbies experience the Fremont Oktoberfest to its absolute fullest.

The History of Oktoberfest

Fielding questions earlier this week as to why Oktoberfest is held in September instead of October, I realized that many people in attendance of the event might be interested in a little history lesson from a little history buff.

The first Oktoberfest occurred on October 12, 1810 in Munich, Germany to commemorate the marriage of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, for whom the Theresienwiese festival grounds are named after. The Crown Prince declared a 5-day celebration of his marriage, holding a horse race as the main event.

Annual celebrations were held thereafter and grew with each new year to include amusements and entertainment. Some of the events from the early days of the festival included tree climbing competitions, wheel barrow races, and goose chases. Today the Munich festival boasts water slides, roller coasters, and The Costume and Riflemen’s Procession. The procession is held on the first Sunday of the festival and includes groups outfitted in traditional German attire and is meant to highlight the diversity of local, regional, and national costume.

Since its inception, Oktoberfest has been lengthened to 16 days and starts the third weekend of September when the weather is still fair. The last date of the festival still falls in the first week of October to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Bavaria to his Princess.